Rookie Realtor says no ethics in real estate

I wonder whether some of my fellow Realtors realize how often they break (or at least bend) the very Code of Ethics they're obligated to uphold and protect as a member of the National Association of Realtors?

More important, I wonder whether buyers and sellers know how often some agents break those rules?

If you are a Realtor, when was the last time you read NAR's Code of Ethics?Click here.  more...

Web service targets garage apartment market

Valadonia Interactive on Thursday announced the launch of GarageApartments.com, a free service that aims to connect potential renters with garage apartment homeowners.  more...

Venice tops places-to-live list

Venice, Fla., Paragould, Ark., Edmond, Okla., Bonita Springs, Fla., and Asheville, N.C., top the list this year of America's Top 100 Places to Live in 2004, an annual list selected by the staff at Relocate-America.com, a Web site that offers assistance to relocating consumers who are searching for a new community to live in.  more...

Fidelity increases stake in valuation service

Fidelity National Financial has purchased the remaining 45 percent of Hansen Quality Loan Services, a national provider of collateral risk assessment and valuation services to the mortgage banking and investment banking industries. Fidelity acquired a majority interest in Hansen in May 2002.

Fidelity provides products and outsourced services and solutions to financial institutions and the real estate industry.  more...

C21 offers real estate sweepstakes

Century 21 has announced its sixth consecutive Home Run Derby All-Star Sweepstakes in which one finalist will have the chance to win $250,000 toward the purchase of a home.

The sweepstakes will be held in conjunction with the C21 Home Run Derby competition as part of 2004 Major League Baseball All Star Week.  more...

Mortgage rates increase

Long-term mortgage interest rates were higher Friday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield rose to 3.83 percent.

The 30-year fixed-rate average increased to 5.11 percent, and the 15-year fixed-rate rose slightly to 4.42 percent. The 1-year adjustable was up at 2.92 percent.

The 30-year Treasury bond yield climbed to 4.77 percent.

Rates are current as of 7:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.  more...